The "Apple Tax" has been a pain for a long time! UK developers collectively sue Apple for damages of up to $1 billion
Apple is facing a class action lawsuit from UK app developers who accuse the company of charging commissions of up to 30% on App Store sales, imposing an anti-competitive tax on the UK tech industry. Sean Ennis, a professor of competition policy overseeing the case, stated that Apple may have to refund up to £785 million ($995 million) to as many as 13,000 developers. Judges at the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal dismissed Apple's defense to block the case, paving the way for further proceedings. Apple's app charging policy has been a focal point for regulators worldwide, and the company announced reforms in January aimed at appeasing EU regulators. These reforms have been closely monitored by the EU, as there are concerns that the new terms could actually worsen the situation for developers. Ennis noted in court documents that Apple has been charging commissions to UK app developers since July 25, 2017. Ennis has previously worked for the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Commission, and he received funding for the lawsuit from the third-party litigation funding firm Harbour Litigation Funding
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, Apple (AAPL.US) is facing a class action lawsuit from UK app developers who accuse Apple of charging commissions of up to 30% on App Store sales, imposing an anti-competitive tax on the UK tech industry.
Sean Ennis, a professor of competition policy in the UK responsible for the case, stated that Apple may have to refund up to £785 million ($995 million) to as many as 13,000 developers. Judges at the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal dismissed Apple's defense to block the case, paving the way for further proceedings.
Apple's app charging policy has been a focal point for global regulators, and the company announced reforms in January aimed at appeasing EU regulators. These reforms have been closely monitored by the EU, as there are concerns that the new terms may actually worsen the situation for developers.
Ennis stated in court documents that Apple has been charging commissions to UK app developers since July 25, 2017.
Ennis has previously served in the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Commission, and he received funding for the lawsuit from the third-party litigation funding firm Harbour Litigation Funding